Lukasz Fabianski, Bournemouth badge, West Ham badge
Lukasz Fabianski starred in Bournemouth v West Ham. (Credit - Imago)
Dakir Thanveer
Tue 17 December 2024 8:40, UK
Alan Smith waxed lyrical about Lukasz Fabianski after he pulled off a brilliant save to deny Ryan Christie as West Ham drew 1-1 with Bournemouth on Monday.
Fabianski was arguably the best player for the Irons at the Vitality Stadium on 16 December, making eight saves and keeping the Cherries at bay until Enes Unal’s stunning free-kick goal in the 90th minute.
The Sky Sports commentator was particularly blown away as the veteran pulled off a diving save to prevent Christie’s effort from the edge of the box from going in in the 81st minute, hailing it as “spectacular” and his best of the night.
“What a save from Fabianski this was. Made a few, but none as spectacular and superb as this”, Smith said live on Sky Sports (16 December, 9:40 pm).
“Billing just trying to feel it in, not a lot of conviction really on his shot, but there was on that from Christie.”
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Fabianski efforts undone by Unal in Bournemouth v West Ham
Julen Lopetegui’s side appeared to be on course to build on their 2-1 win against Wolves last Monday (9 December) after Lucas Paqueta converted an 87th-minute penalty.
However, there was nothing the 39-year-old could have done to prevent Unal’s free-kick towards the end of the game from going in.
Despite being almost faultless in goal, Fabianski will be disappointed to have not kept the clean sheet and helped the Hammers claim all three points.
Nevertheless, he has established himself as Lopetegui’s preferred goalkeeper despite Alphonse Areola’s presence in the squad.
Alphonse Areola, West Ham
West Ham goalkeeper, Alphonse Areola [Credit: Imago]
The former Arsenal man, though, is set to enter the six months of his contract at the London Stadium and it remains to be seen if West Ham intend to give him a contract extension.
It is worth noting that he is nearing the end of his football career anyway as he turns 39 in April.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers’ stance on giving a new contract to Michail Antonio after his accident has been revealed.
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